MIKE MARCOTTE

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Mike Marcotte discovered dancing in 1999 near the height of the swing craze. He first took lessons from the same person he teaches with today, Donna Barker. Together they helped cultivate a blues dancing scene in Washington and have been teaching lindy and blues together for over seven years. Lately, he has worked hard with Capital Blues to put on great blues events like bamBLOOZled and Red Hot Blues 'n BBQ in addition to hosting a weekly dance every Thursday at Glen Echo's Back Room.

Mike's father fostered an appreciation for jazz at an early age. A student of classical cello and jazz piano in high school, it was only natural that he got more involved with the music as a DJ after starting as a dacner. He learned the most under the wing of Rayned Wiles at K2, and before long was working events across the country including Lindy Focus, Philly Lindy Love, St. Louis Blues Lindy Exchange, Frankie 95, every DCLX, and many others. After collaborating with Glenn Scales and Jerry Almonte at the Virginia State Open and ALHC, other competitions inquired about Mike's expertise. He is honored that Nina Gilkenson and Tena Morales asked him to be the Head Competition DJ for the first two years of ILHC.

Whether it's Blues or Swing, Mike likes a dance floor that's having fun, feeling challenged yet inspired. Usually, if the dancers are having fun then so is the DJ. He tends to draw from a variety of genres as he puts together a set. While creating a groove is important, mixing it up -- something learned well from Rayned -- always keeps things interesting. This is a DJ who loves to dance, so don't hesitate to ask him in the middle of a set!

JERRY ALMONTE

Jerry has been dancing, teaching, organizing events and DJ'ing since 2001. He loves DJ ing around DC because the dancers will get down to whatever style and era of jazz and blues (and the more than occasional soul tune) that strikes his fancy on any given night.

KATE HEDIN

Being a conservatory-trained musician, Kate has a deep understood knowledge of elegant catfights. She also has a great appreciation for jazz music. Kate is a regular DJ at Washington DC's The Jam Cellar, and at swing dance events across the nation. Her ear for music is in such high demand that she has arranged competition music for national events like The Boston Tea Party and at ILHC. Kate favors 1930s and 40s swing, like Chick Webb and Benny Goodman.

COREY WRIGHT

Originally from southeast Missouri (just north of that place they call the Delta); Corey was introduced to the blues at an early age. Though Corey is currently residing in our nation's capital his heart has never strayed from the music that propelled him through his childhood and out into the world.  In the past, Corey has toured the world on the Navy's dime and taken up residence in two of the most heavily blues influenced areas of the country: Memphis and Kansas City.  During his travels he has experienced blues music the world over and can't wait to share those experiences with everyone he meets.  

When in the DJ booth, Corey loves to push, challenge and motivate the dancers to get out onto the floor.  While his sets do lean a little toward the delta Corey is always searching for that perfect next song to continue the vibe and take you on a journey.  Whether it's from the Delta or Chicago, acoustic or electric, contemporary or vintage, you never know what Corey's going to pull out in the heat of the moment to keep the you on the dance floor and the party goin'.  

Corey has DJ'ed events all around the country from nationally known events to that house party in your friends basement that everyone was raving about; he has only one goal when he's in the DJ booth and that's to get you out on the dance floor and dancing until dawn.  To find out where he's been and where he's going to be check him out here